Yingluck prepares to welcome Japanese PM

BAGNKOK, 15 January 2013 Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has summoned a meeting to ensure the government's preparedness to welcome Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who is scheduled to visit Thailand during January 17-18.

The visit will be the first official visit by Japanese Prime Minister to Thailand in 11 years since the Former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi’s trip in 2002. According to Ms Yingluck, this visit is not just about strengthening ties between the 2 countries, but she is also looking forward to discussing the possibility of forming economic partnership with Japan, as well as to supporting Myanmar in country development.

After the discussion, the 2 Premiers will seek a royal audience with His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, at Siriraj Hospital.

Later that day, the Japanese Prime Minister and his wife will travel to the government house to have a welcome dinner with Ms Yingluck.

The upcoming visit of Mr Abe will also be his first trip to the ASEAN region since he took office. Other than Thailand, he will also travel to Vietnam and Indonesia.